Remind Others but Remind Yourself
Titus 3:1-11
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
The first sentence in this passage starts with “Remind the people to…” and then a fairly long list of things follows. This indicates that if we need to be reminded of these things, then they must be things that we are prone to forgetting. Reminding each other of God’s standards of behaviour can be helpful and necessary at times.
But in verse 3 the focus shifts from reminding others of how God wants them to be, to reminding ourselves of our own sinfulness and incredible God’s mercy and grace towards us.
Anytime I find myself being judgemental of others (“how could they…?) it is because I have forgotten what I am capable of and what Jesus has saved me from.
Lord Jesus, help us to be willing to remind others of Your truth in a gracious and non-judgemental way. But most importantly, help us to remember the kindness and love of our Saviour,that You saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of Your mercy. May we extend that same grace and forgiveness to others.
Written by Shelley Witt